Getting to Know the Rev. Don Lyon, Christ Church, LongwoodNovember 28, 2016 • CFE Staff  • DIOCESAN FAMILY

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Reverend Don Lyons

During a recent phone interview, the Rev. Don Lyon expressed his love for his church. “I was so blessed to become priest-in-charge of Christ Church in Longwood this past October. I love the ministry and am glad to still be in it,” he said. “We are off to a wonderful start; this is a wonderful congregation. I really like them a lot. The goal is to get them back to being a self-supporting, vibrant church in the diocese.

“There are three areas in which I wish to help grow the parish: spiritual, numerical, and financial. I am hopeful and confident in this parish. We are already attracting new members and starting up new ministries. I am looking forward to enjoying our life together and seeing how we can grow.”

Father Don came to the diocese in 1995 to be the rector of St. Barnabas’ in DeLand. He retired in 2011. After this, he served in a series of interim ministries. The first was at Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka, where he was asked to help get the church back on its feet, for almost a year and a half.

Next, Father Don did an interim at St. James’ in Ormond Beach for one year, helping them get organized and back on their feet. When he received the call to be priest-in-charge for Christ Church, he was serving as assistant at Church of the Holy Presence in DeLand.

Father Don expressed his feelings for the Diocese of Central Florida: “I love this diocese. It’s a very special diocese with wonderful people. I want to be active and as much of a help as I can be. It is special to be so appreciated.” He went on to say he has been ordained and in ministry since 1980. He has served 36 years, and 21 of those have been with this diocese.

Father Don comes from a family with roots in the ministry. His father was a priest in Massachusetts, and his brother was a bishop there. There are three retired clergy members in his family.

Father Don and his wife, Karen, have been married 49 years. For 18 years, Karen was Head of School at St. Barnabas in DeLand. They have two children and four grandchildren. Father Don’s biggest hobby is playing guitar.

Fr. Lyon invites everyone to his Celebration of a New Ministry. Bishop Brewer will be at Christ Church, Longwood, on Sunday, December 11, at 4 p.m. to preach and celebrate his installation as priest-in-charge. A reception will follow.